While new cases of COVID-19 continue to pop up in places like Ontario and Quebec, Manitoba is still in the clear.

"As of February 27, 2020, 38 tests have been completed for COVID-19 in Manitoba. To date, there have been no confirmed cases here," says Dr. Brent Roussin, Chief Provincial Public Health Officer.

Although Manitoba Health and officials continue to work closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization to monitor the novel coronavirus situation, they say the risk of being exposed to the virus in Manitoba is low.

Suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 are required to be reported to Manitoba's chief provincial public health officer. According to Dr. Roussin, the 12 cases that have been confirmed in Canada are from Ontario and British Columbia.

Dr. Roussin says for Canadians travelling abroad the risk of contracting COVID-19 is also low, but this can vary depending on the travel location.

"There are steps Manitobans can take to protect themselves against viruses such as coronavirus or influenza. These include frequent hand washing, cough and sneeze etiquette, and to avoid others who are showing signs of illness."

The use of masks is not being recommended for those without symptoms, as it has shown to be noneffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Dr. Roussin says they are currently in the containment stage of the epidemic. Still, he adds it's prudent to prepare for all eventualities with Manitoba Health being in an incident management structure since the beginning of February.

If a case of COVID-19 is confirmed within Manitoba, Dr. Roussin says they expect to make the information public as soon as reasonably feasible.

He adds the most significant message Manitoba Health wants to spread is general precautionary principals by staying home when you're ill and discourages any discrimination on where people live or have come from.